The sheriff said, “Between the two of you, you probably saved his life. You should feel very proud of yourselves.”

As Mr Courts received surgery, McAlpine went back home to put his clothes and the knife into his washing machine.

After a four-day trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, a jury unanimously found McAlpine guilty of three charges: on April 30, assaulting George Courts by striking him on the body with a knife to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life.